No. 7311

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: No. 7311
Location: Ventnor, NJ
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 4+ [see key]

*Update 2.26.19*
They stopped offering light roasts and George Howell. Coffee has become a tad more lackluster (though the baked goods are still amazing).

One of the things I don't enjoy about the Jersey shore is the seasonal nature of many communities. Naturally summer boasts huge crowds, merriment and thriving beach islands full of life. Yet the fun ends in autumn when most shore businesses close up and the once-thriving towns become a place for polar bear plunges and boardwalk exercise. I do not deny that this might be the natural order of the universe, but I find no greater disappointment than knowing that I must wait until May for the next funnel cake or block of fudge.

Mugged: Crema.co

Subject: Crema.co

Coffees Mugged and Rating [see key]:
- Toby's Estate: Brazil Santa Ines 5+
- Bold Bean: Finca La Esperanza 5+

Coffee subscriptions are becoming more and more a part of the coffee drinker's arsenal. Years ago, you were pretty unique if you were willing to subscribe to one coffee roaster's coffee for a several months, but now, with the numerous subscription services that offer all kinds of coffees from all kinds of roasters, it's increasingly conventional. Chances are that if you like coffee, there's a subscription out there that fits you just right.

4121 Main

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: 4121 Main

Location: Pittsburgh, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Coffee is a lot like a flower: both are beautiful, regularly coveted and add a necessary spice to life. And like a great coffeehouse, one does not easily discover a great florist on every street corner. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, they can find both tremendous coffee and eye-catching floral arrangements in a small boutique called 4121 Main.

The Julio Handmade Mug

While I am no expert in the realm of pottery, I know it takes a lot of skill to make a handsome mug by hand. Having been to my share of arts festivals and student showcases, my eyes have seen plenty of decently-constructed vessels and it's not often I fall in love with one (it would probably be why I have only three or four hand-crafted vessels in my cupboard).

Comet Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Comet Coffee
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

When I used to work in higher education, it seemed that about a quarter of my colleagues either studied or worked at the University of Michigan. At the time I had never been, so I listened to their stories of a stately campus, the great town and cold winters. Though I had intention of making my way there sooner, it wasn't until recently that I was finally able to visit. And despite my interest in seeing the campus, my sights were first set on an Ann Arbor coffee establishment called Comet Coffee.